The Ottawa Senators roster for the 2023/24 season is shuffling around. The question is whether they are necessary moves or if it is signaling something more ahead of the March 8th trade deadline. Let’s take a look at what is happening, and how the impacted parties will be affected.
For the Ottawa Senators 2023/24 Roster Shuffling We Begin in Net
First of all, the Senators probably want to send down Mads Sogaard to Belleville. He is one of two current Ottawa plays that is waiver-exempt, the other being Ridly Greig. With the NHL All-Star break upon us, Sogaard will be able to join Belleville. They have back-to-back games this weekend against the Syracuse Crunch, so he would have the opportunity to play. Moreover, Sogaard needs playing time, and with the inconsistency of the team in front of him, it is tough to justify that time in Ottawa. He’s played in four games thus far and sports a catastrophic 5.09 GAA. However, he is 1-1 in those games, but overall, has been shell-shocked. Besides he has two more senior goalies ahead of him, so he shouldn’t be forced into NHL action.
Appears that Forsberg is Coming Back
Now when we say two senior goalies, you may be wondering about one of them. That one in question is Anton Forsberg who has been on the injured reserve since January 12, 2024. Therefore, for the Ottawa Senators to make room for him on the current version of the 2023/24 roster, some shuffling must take place. Forsberg makes $2.75 M, and the club was utilizing some of that space in relief. It is two-fold why sending down Sogaard is necessary, for the money capacity, and second to have two goalies on your active roster. If Forsberg is activated from IR during the break, it will allow the Senators to move Sogaard.
One Feel Good Player to Another for the Ottawa Senators roster in 2023/24
This leads us to yesterday’s news, that fan favourite Rourke Chartier has been placed on waivers. This is a bit of unfortunate news, as he could be scooped up by another team. Conversely, a move is necessary with Forsberg’s salary coming back onto the books. Chartier has played well for the Senators, but the 27-year-old lacks in production. Yes, he kills penalties and is a tight checker, but just three points through 34 games isn’t good enough. Furthermore, this poor efficiency is reflected by his Goals Above Expected of -1.3 being second last among Ottawa Senators forwards.
The Emergence and Confirmation of Ridly Greig
From dark comes light, and as Chartier is placed on waivers, another member of the team shines. This news means that a player who wouldn’t have to clear waivers to be sent down is likely staying. We hinted at him previously, but that is Centre Ridly Greig. Greig has only played in 36 games thus far but has a few desirable statistics. In that time, he has picked up 18 points. Also, he finds himself fourth on the team in hits with 58. Greig does a lot of the little things well and is showing he is an important piece of the group in Ottawa.
Time for a Trade Rumour
Time for the juicy stuff, and that means possible trade rumours. As we said, all the Ottawa Senators 2023/24 roster shuffling could amount to nothing. In contrast, Elliotte Friedman has mentioned a player on the block, and he would very well be a fit. His team is struggling, in the Los Angeles Kings, and they are looking to shake things up. The player? Arthur Kaliyev.
Nick Kypreos linked the Senators to Kaliyev a few days ago. Played under GM Steve Staios with the Hamilton Bulldogs. https://t.co/SVM4uANg6F
— Graeme Nichols (@GraemeNichols) January 30, 2024
Kaliyev does have a connection with Ontario, as he spent three years in the OHL. What’s more, the team he played with, the Hamilton Bulldogs, was owned by Michael Andlauer. Kaliyev would provide a much-needed big-body presence to the Ottawa Senators third line. Additionally, he has a great wrist shot and has picked up 34 goals through 175 career NHL games. This would make him a possibility for the second power play unit as well. He is a pending RFA, but will not command big money given his production. It would be a target to benefit both clubs. For LA to shake things up, and for Ottawa to add a piece going forward.
Main photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
